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ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01379833

Recruitment Status
: Unknown

Verified June 2011 by State University of New York at Buffalo. Recruitment status was: Recruiting

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a demyelinating chronic progressive or relapsing neuropathy believed to be secondary to an autoimmune response against peripheral nerve antigens.5 We have observed two patients with CIDP with decreased corneal sensation who also suffered neurotrophic corneal ulcers and severe visual loss in the affected eyes. We want to explore the relationship of CIDP and corneal sensitivity. Our hypothesis is that people with CIDP have decreased corneal sensation compared to those without. We plan to perform a prospective study measuring corneal sensation in patients (proposed n=10) with CIDP and without to determine (1) if a difference exists in patients with CIDP compared to controls and (2) the magnitude of the difference. If a difference is detected in corneal sensitivity in patients with CIDP, this awareness amongst physicians and patients may help prevent blinding complications.

The most important variable here is corneal sensitivity in study subjects vs. controls. This is a prospective screen to determine if a difference exists before pursuing larger studies. The endpoint for this investigation will be analysis of 10 patients with CIDP and 10 age-matched controls.

Secondary Outcome Measures
:

Corneal nerve density

If there is a difference observed in corneal sensation between subjects and controls, then corneal nerve densities in respective corneas will be measured.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Sampling Method:

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients with severe CIDP.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must be > 18 years of age. Patients with severe CIDP will be enrolled with age-matched controls without CIDP.

Exclusion Criteria:

Eye disease (prior or current) other than glasses, Prior eye injury/ trauma, Viral infection (HSV/VZV - prior or current) of eye, Use of contact lenses in last month, Prior eye surgery / laser/lasik, and Use of eye drops other than artificial tears.